Change my attempt good intentions
Crouched over, you were not there living in fear
But signs were not really that scarce, obvious tears
But I will not hide you through this, I want you to help
And please see the bleeding heart perched on my shirt
-Wasteland by 10 Years

Loki finally marched his way over to the elevator three hours later. He couldn't understand how it was fun to stare at a mechanical box that played exceptionally loud noises and displayed images of people making fools of themselves. But apparently this was what Midgardians found to be funny. His lack of response had prompted a ten minute discussion on why it was funny and which character was the funniest. Of course, Clint and Tony got into a spat over it, and it completely drowned out Loki's thoughts.

Steve stood beside him in the elevator, being appointed Loki's nanny for the rest of the night. Apparently, he wasn't even to sleep alone anymore. As creepy as it sounded, they were going to keep an Avenger in the room at all times. The only time he would really be alone would be when he was in the restroom which was a startling thought indeed. Loki looked over to the man beside him with a skeptical look.

Steve was the mildest of the Avengers. Even Banner could have his moments when he got frustrated, but Steve normally just bore it and went on smiling. It was irritating in a way because it was impossible to get any worthwhile reactions out of him. "So, Loki. How are you feeling? I never really got to talk to you with everything that was going on." Steve said calmly as he looked over towards the shorter Asgardian.

"I'm feeling all right. Though I have a headache from all the noise. And from that popcorn bowl." Loki referred to the infamous popcorn bowl that had gotten tossed around during the squabble over television characters and had hit him broadside. Steve winced at that. The Avengers really were not doing themselves any favors by that one. "In any case, I could be worse." Loki tried to keep himself clement.

He had watched them carefully over the past few hours, and he knew that the only way they would leave him alone would be if they believed him to be better again. That meant he would have to try and tone down the snarky replies and the short comments. It was going to be just as hard as it sounded.

"I'm sure that was an accident, but I'm sorry about that. And just tell me if there is anything you need. We had to tidy up a bit after you left, so there might be some stuff missing." Steve scratched the back of his head nervously. There had been plenty of blood to get rid of after Loki had left the room previously. They had also replaced the side table because the corner had blunted under the impact of Loki's skull. It made him squeamish just thinking about it. He might have been Captain America, the warrior hero, but he got grossed out at the sight of copious blood just like any other person would.

"I'm sure you did," Loki said shortly. He paused for a moment and grimaced. He would have to prolong the conversation somehow, if only just to improve Steve's opinion on his mental health. "Are they always this loud?" Not the best topic, but it was too late now that the words were out.

"Not always." Steve was glad for the change in conversation. "But they're glad that you've come back, so they wanted to do something special. They may have overdone it a bit though. I told them that you'd probably just a quiet get-together, but apparently Clint and Tony form a majority." He chuckled a bit at that. The two loudmouths could pass anything together even if the others outweighed their opinions.

Loki tilted his head to the side and thought. While it was true that Clint had lied about his promise to keep Tony quiet, he hadn't really expected it to come to pass anyways. It was more of an excuse to get him into the circle, so they would stop bothering him. The plan worked, partially. They didn't stop bothering him, but it got him near them. "I can see how that would work. They're quite... opinionated." That was the kindest word he could use to describe them. But inside his mind he was calling them obnoxiously loud chatterers that had no sense of self-restraint.

"Mmhmm. They're fun when you get to know them though. It just takes a little time." Steve offered.

"I've been around them for a few months already." Loki just about punched himself. He had done it again. Why did he always snark like that! He'd have to tie his tongue just to get himself to stay quiet.

Steve bit his lip, and the elevator binged, signaling they had reached the floor. "Well, I don't think any of them were really out to make friends then. We were all kinda tired and pressured if you know what I mean." It sounded a lot like an excuse in his ears, and he could only imagine what it sounded like to Loki. He stepped out into the hall and watched as Loki followed him out in silence.

"So," Steve straightened up at Loki's word, "are you going to show me to my room or not?"

"Ah! Right." Steve shuffled off down the hall and unlatched the lock to the room. They had needed to get a replacement door as well, considering Thor had broken the last one. The side table was a good too feet farther down the atrium, but other than that, everything seemed familiar. They had sanded a few things down to make them dull, but it was relatively normal.

Loki walked around the room and inspected all of his old belongings. He didn't have much, but he still wanted to make sure everything was in order. A few minutes later, he walked back up to Steve and nodded. Everything was in order. "I will go prepare for bed now. I trust that you have to watch over me like a vulture, so come along." Loki's body felt as if a hand was pulling him down to the ground. He was tired, plain and simple. He just wanted to get this over with.

He walked up to the side-room bathroom and stepped onto the tile. When he reached the marble countertop, he reached into his pocket and pulled out a small bottle. Steve tipped his head to the side in curiosity as Loki unscrewed the lid and slipped out a pill. He moved to put the pill up to his mouth, but Steve intervened.

Steve's hand instinctively shot out to grab Loki's hand. His hand gripped Loki's tightly and forced Loki to drop the pill onto the counter. "In the name of Asgard, what do you think you are doing?" Loki hissed at the sudden pressure around his wrist. His body was still sensitive and being grabbed by Captain America was one of the last things on his wish list at the moment.

"What were you doing with that pill?" Steve demanded, casting a look over at the white tablet on the countertop. He hadn't heard anything about medication, so Loki had to have gotten it from somewhere.

Loki snorted. "What? Did you think I would try to kill myself in such a primeval way as poison? I see how far your trust in me goes, Rogers. That is oxycodon. For simpletons like you, I shall describe it as a pain medication to help me deal with my brain surgery. Now, if you don't mind, let go of me." Steve started and pulled away his hand.

"Ah, sorry about that. I just thought-"

"You obviously thought I was suicidal. Rogers, how do you expect me to trust all of you when you all expect me to die again? Trust is not a one-way street unless you are a fool, and I am no fool." Loki picked up the small pill from the countertop and dry-swallowed it. He looked over towards the blonde beside him and shook his head. "I will retire now. Good night, Rogers."

Steve opened his mouth to say something, but nothing came out. He closed his mouth and just watched as Loki walked over to his bed and went under the covers. Steve ran a hand through his hair and sighed. He had really screwed up, hadn't he? "Good night, Loki."

Author's Note: Steve has gotta learn how to interact with Loki more! He's just so awkward with the guy. /shakes head/ Poor Loki and Steve. Goodness gracious.

Well, I hope you enjoyed the chapter! Review if you did! ;D Next chapter is on Tuesday!